Some young children stutter in response to stress, fatigue, or excitement. Stuttering can also be triggered if a child feels rushed, self-conscious, or pressured. Whatever the trigger, most children outgrow the problem.

Listen patiently to your child, make eye contact, don't interrupt, ignore the stuttering, and show love and acceptance. If the stuttering continues longer than 6 months, the "blocked" speech lasts several seconds, or if the child shows obvious facial tension when stuttering, seek professional help.

See also stuttering and preschooler development.